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November 13, 2005
Eugene (KMTR) - Sometimes the best bodyguards come in small packages with a lot of fur and a tail. Guard dogs from around the country came to Eugene over the weekend to protect their reputations as the best.

Dog trainer Ken Schilling says control, precision, courage, and confidence are the keys to winning the competition. Those skills are what judges were looking for during this year's "Protection Sport Trial," where dogs from as far away as Arizona and Canada came to compete.

"Most of the dogs, especially the dogs from this area, are just family dogs that are trained to protect their family," said Schilling.

Passing these dogs on the street you'd never know just what they are capable of, but judges at this year's second annual trial do. And they'll decide which dog will take home the title as the best personal protection dog.

Protection dogs start training as early as seven weeks of age. Carrie Cordell says the effort that goes into training her dog can be difficult, but the rewards are well worth it.

"He's still young so we kind of go through our moments," says Cordell.
"But if you dedicate it it's not that hard. We wanted a good family dog and we came across Ken's website and thought that it would be a good shot and tried it out. It kind of went to the next level."

Schilling says training a dog is an ongoing process. As a trainer himself, he's always trying to advance their level of proficiency.

The competition's winner takes home a trophy, a plaque, a certificate for winning the title—and a lot of pride.